Everything you tell me is confidential and I take this trust very seriously. It will not be breached unless the safety of yourself or others is at risk, or in rare circumstances, when information is requested from me by law. This will be explained to you in more detail at the first session.

It is sometimes useful to have one session with your partner present, if your relationship is being affected by personal issues. I do not offer ongoing couple counselling where I already have a professional relationship with one of the partners.

Unconditional, positive regard is my doctrine and I do not believe that I have the right to decide what is right or wrong, or to make value judgements, about anything you have done or may choose to do.

I have been working in the area of mental health for over 30 years and completed a Master’s degree in Counselling & Applied Psychotherapy. I am also a qualified Medical Herbalist and Clinical Hypnotherapist.

I am professional and ethical at all times. Boundaries include the preclusion of personal relationships with clients outside of counselling.

Appointments last for an hour and can be set weekly or fortnightly as required. Long term clients may attend every few weeks or just as they need. Generally the length of the relationship is determined by yourself, and will vary for every client.

Most Health Funds do not, at this point, cover counselling and psychotherapy fees. However you are entitled to a 20% rebate for counselling sessions when you submit your tax return, if your annual out of pocket medical expenses are greater than $1500. (This figure may be subject to change so check with your accountant.)

No, at this point, you cannot be referred to see me through a Medicare mental health care plan.

To receive a Medicare rebate, you can only see a registered psychologist or a mental health social worker through a mental health plan prepared by a GP, with a 10 session limit. However, unlike many psychologists, I have extensive training in counselling and psychotherapy and do not solely rely upon the CBT approach usually offered by them. CBT is designed to treat specific symptoms and does not allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of yourself or your problems. Psychotherapy addresses your issues at a deeper level for long term relief.

Payment is due at each session. Cash is preferred, but payment by bank transfer can be arranged beforehand if desired. Eftpos or credit card facilities are NOT available, in order that I can continue to keep my fees low.

I have trained in several counselling styles including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Art Therapy, Person Centred, Gestalt and Interpersonal. I work eclectically, holistically and respectfully, at all times, and do not impose one style of therapy upon you.